What is GPS ?

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system made up of a network of 24 satellites placed into orbit by the U.S. Department of Defence. GPS was originally intended for military applications, but in the 1980s, the government made the system available for civilian use. GPS works in any weather conditions, anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day.The 24 satellites that make up the GPS space segment are orbiting the earth about 12,000 miles above us. They are constantly moving, making two complete orbits in less than 24 hours. These satellites are travelling at speeds of roughly 7,000 miles an hour.GPS satellites are powered by solar energy. They have backup batteries onboard to keep them running in the event of a solar eclipse, when there's no solar power. Small rocket boosters on each satellite keep them flying in the correct path. 

Are there any other systems like GPS ?

Yes, other countires have also set up their own GPS like sytems.

• Beidou 2 — China's regional system that China has proposed to expand into a global system.
  
• Galileo — a proposed global system being developed by the European Union, joined by China, Israel, India, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and South Korea and Ukraine. Planned to be fully operational by 2010. Unlike GPS, Galileo is going to be a paid system 
  
• GLONASS — Russia's global system which is being restored to full availability in partnership with India.
  
• Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) — India's proposed regional system 

Where will GPS Work ?

GPS works world wide but the GPS receivers require line of sight, therefore GPS will not work inside buildings, underground or anywhere where the direct line of sight to the open sky is obstructed by metal or concrete.

What is GPS navigation vs GPS Tracking ?

GPS navigation units help a driver find the route to a destination. GPS tracking on the other hand lets a remote user know the position of a tracked vehicle or asset.

Why does GPS Tracking require a SIM card ?

To get the location data from the GPS tracking unit to a users computer some transmission channel is required. A SIM card makes the GPS tracking unit like a mobile phone enabling it to send the data back to a remote observers computer

GPS navigation units do not require a SIM card as the information is presented to the user on a screen. GPS Tracking units do not have any LCD screens as they send the data to remote users over mobile phone networks

What happens if the unit is out of GSM coverage ?

Most GPS units like the Trimble TrimTrac Pro have on-board recorders – as soon as the units come back into coverage area they transmit the logged positions. Some other units like the Iridium and GlobalStar units use satellites to transmit data and do not require mobile phone networks to work.

Why does PhantomEye provide a similar looking unit for Asset Tracking and Vehilce Tracking

The Trimble TrimTrac Pro GPS Tracking unit is a versatile, programmable unit. PhantomEye has programmed the unit to suite specific scenarios. To get more information on the unit click here.